Emmets are Kellihers Toyota U-16 Girls Div 1 Champions

posted 7 Sep 2011, 03:16 by Listowel Emmets

Emmets captured the Kellihers Toyota Tralee U16 Division 1 County title defeating Chorca Duibhne at Ballymac last night in which Savannagh McCarthy excelled. This victory came to Emmets after 3 final losses in previous years and a new rivalry was sparked as Chorca Duibhne pushed them all the way to the end, in a game that swung back and forth right up to the final whistle.

Chorca Duibhne got off to a flying started and were 2-2 to no score ahead inside 8 mins with Kavanagh and O’Connor both scoring 1-1 each. Savannagh McCarthy then showed her class with 1-3 inside 4 mins in which she took the game to Chorca Duibhne on her own and inspired her team mates to push on. Aoife Shine saw her long distance free end up in the Chorca Duibhne net and it now began to look like the Listowel side were in control and went in at the break 2 points ahead (2-5 to 2-3)

Kavanagh was quick off the mark in the second half as she pointed from 40 yards but in the next attack McCarthy had her second goal and from the resultant kick out added another point as Listowel began to see daylight at last (3-6 to 2-4). However, the free flowing play of Chorca Duibhne was now showing results, as Kate Ni Shuilleabhan and Aoife Geaney began to get to grips with midfield and Geaney pointed to reduce the gap. Emmets Rebecca Horgan traded points with Kavangh and by the time Kavanagh scored her second goal in was down to two. Rebecca Horgan again extended this

to a goal again when she pick up a ball on the half way and made her way towards the Chorca Duibhne goal and chipped over a delightful point. The West Kerry sides response was immediate and when a high ball ended in the Listowel square Kavanagh was quick to volley to the net to level the final 4-7 each with the clock ticking. The side traded a brace of points each and were still level heading into injury time. However in the dying moments Emmets called on their experience and when Aoife Shine tapped over a point it was beginning to slip from the west Kerry girls and the loudest cheer of the night was reserved for Megan O’Connor’s point that put daylight between the teams again with no time for a reply.

This was a tremedously fought game with two good teams giving it their all. Emmets victory was won in all sectors of the field but the display given by Savannagh McCarthy (1-7) and Rebecca Horgan (2-1) was second to none.